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L’Eroica

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L’Eroica is an event that began in 1997 in the small village of Gaiole in Chianti, in the province of Siena, organized by a group of cycling enthusiasts. Every year, thousands of tourists gather, ready to push their physical limits by taking on challenging routes, rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and delicious refreshment stops.

Many companies that care about environmental sustainability collaborate to organize this event, dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, love for nature, and the beauty of Tuscany.

L’Eroica is not just a simple bike ride, but a true festival offering local merchants the opportunity to promote their products by participating in markets, contests, and restaurant activities. L’Eroica is a showcase for the Tuscan territory, highlighting its culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty.

This year’s edition will take place on October 1st and 2nd, and registration for the ride has been open since December 9th, 2021.

L’Eroica features 5 different routes:

• Long ” The Heroic” 209 km: This is the most challenging route, taking about 15 hours to complete, but it’s the only way to capture the essence of Siena province. During the immersive ride, you’ll experience all phases of the day, from daylight highlighting the characteristic green of Tuscany’s flora to late night when the torch-lit passage through the Castello di Brolio creates a magical atmosphere. To recharge during the journey, a stop at the Buonconvento refreshment point, offering excellent organic foods, is recommended.

• Medium ” Crete Senesi” 135 km: Don’t be deceived by the distance, as this route is manageable for many amateur cyclists. The journey can take up to 10-12 hours. The long ride passes through Buonconvento, a medieval village considered one of Italy’s most beautiful. Cyclists can stop at the refreshment points in Radi and Castelnuovo Berardenga before tackling the climb of Monte Sante Marie, the real final challenge.

• Hundred ” Val D’Arbia” 106 km: A new route through the Crete Senesi, fairly long but with manageable elevation changes.

• Medium ” Gallo Nero” 81 km: A 4-hour route that serves as the “gateway” to the festival. It includes a stop in Radda in Chianti to savor delicacies at the official refreshment point and invites participants to visit the shops of the ancient village. Don’t miss the Lamole refreshment stop, where “Tuscan women” serve the famous Ribollita along with local cured meats paired with excellent Chianti Classico wine.

• Short ” Valle Del Chianti” 46 km: The splendid Castello di Brolio is the symbol of this short route, with lush vineyards of Chianti Classico enhancing the Tuscan countryside and guiding participants down a gentle descent to Pianella. The unique view of Siena framed between two holm oaks, known as the “Leccione,” is unforgettable.

In addition to the five routes available during the highly anticipated event, there is a permanent route. This route is located in the Terre di Siena and spans 209 km with a total elevation gain of about 3,800 meters. The itinerary covers Chianti, Crete Senesi, and the Val, and includes both paved and gravel roads.

The permanent route provides an opportunity to experience L’Eroica year-round. It doesn’t require high-performance bikes, so it can also be used as training for the festival.

To participate in L’Eroica, book a room at our property. The strategic location of the Palace Hotel Due Ponti allows you to easily reach the event stages and, being just steps away from Siena, you can also visit the magnificent city.